Revelation Revelation Made Simple Chapter 6 Revelation Time Line

JUDGMENT, EVANGELISTS AND MARTYRS

FIRST SEAL: THE CONQUEROR

6:1 “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder,

one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.”

Jesus opens the first of the seven seals, and with that, unleashes the first judgment. One of the four

cherubim that surrounds God’s throne says in a loud voice, like thunder, “Come and see.” This is

God’s invitation to John to watch what follows from the breaking of the seal. Note that the angel’s

voice is not just loud, but extremely loud. One observation we can make about heaven is that every

time someone talks, it is loud. The loudness commands everyone’s attention and points to the fact that

what is about to happen is important. Also, as we go through this study, I will try to demonstrate that

the first six seals occur during the first half of the seven-year tribulation. The seventh seal occurs

throughout the second half of the seven-year tribulation, the period sometimes referred to as the

Great Tribulation because of the severity of the judgments then upon the earth. This is the first of three seven-part judgments. The trumpets (chapters 8-9) and the bowls (chapter

16) are the other two. As each seal is opened, Christ the Lamb sets in motion events that will bring

about the end of human history. This scroll is not completely opened until the seventh seal is broken

(8:1). The contents of the scroll reveal humanity's depravity and portray God's authority over the

events of human history. QUESTIONS:

What is the significance of “seven seals” (6:1)?

6:2 “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given

unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” This is the first of four horsemen that John will see. Although the meaning is different here, the

horseman imagery was seen over 600 years earlier by the prophet Zechariah (see Zechariah 1:8 ff).

There will also be a white horse in Revelation 19:11, but that is not the same one John sees here.

Keep in mind that God is using apocalyptic literature here to cast global events onto a small canvas,

allowing us to see what we consider to be very complicated variables, simplified as they are through

God’s eyes and in God’s hands. The question, then, is the identification of the horseman. Some

observations will help. First, the horse is white, indicating peace. And yet, the horseman is said to go

forth conquering, indicating that he is a victorious warrior; that he receives a crown indicates his

rise to power as a king. These symbols seem inconsistent at first. Add to it the fact that he has a bow,

but nothing is mentioned of arrows. The answer seems to be that this is Anti-Christ, the “little horn”

of Daniel 7. What we see here is that he rises to power through primarily non-military means. We

know from Daniel 9:27 that he will make a peace treaty and break it, which is consistent with this

verse. Also note that Paul taught that the Day of the Lord would not start until the Anti-Christ (or

Son of Perdition) was revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3); accordingly, we should expect John to be

consistent with Paul and tell us that the 70th

week begins Anti-Christ coming on the scene. We are

going to see more of this character later in the book and at that time will address who he is in more

detail.

Four horses appear as the first four seals are opened. The horses represent God's judgment of

people's sin and rebellion. God is directing human history—even using his enemies to accomplish his

purposes. The four horses are a foretaste of the final judgments yet to come. Some view this chapter

as a parallel to the Olivet Discourse (see Matt 24).

The imagery of four horses is also found in Zechariah 6:1-8. QUESTIONS:

Who opens all of the seals (6:2f)?

Who gives these horses and riders their authority?

What biblical principle does this teach?

What does each horse represent (6:2f.)?

Who rides the “white horse” (6:2)?

Is it Jesus Christ (cf. Rev 19:11-19) or the coming Antichrist (Dan 9:26-27; 1 Thess 5:3)?

How did you arrive at your conclusion?

What does “a bow” signify?

Why is there no mention of arrows?

Does this imply a “peaceful conquest” (cf. 6:4)? ;Why or why not (see Isa 41:2)?

How then do you understand the phrase, “conquering and to conquer?”

SECOND SEAL: CONFLICT ON EARTH

6:3 “And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.”

Jesus breaks open the second seal to the title deed to creation. The second of the four cherubim

surrounding God’s throne tells John to “Come and see.” It is John’s duty to carefully observe what

happens and then write it down..

6:4 “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat

thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was

given unto him a great sword.”

The second horseman rides a red horse, the color of blood. Whereas the previous horseman

apparently conquers through alliances and diplomacy, this one removes peace from the earth and the

result is war. We do not know how much time passes between the appearance of the first and second

horseman (the breaking of the first two seals), but whatever peace may have existed with the advent

of Anti-Christ now disappears. This horseman yields a “great sword.” Swords are used for killing,

and a great sword for killing many people. This indicates the severity of the fighting that will take

place. Note here that the horseman takes peace from the earth, not just from Israel or some other

limited locale. Those that believe all the events of chapter 4 through 19 took place in the 1st century

cannot take a verse like this one (and many after it) literally. Instead, they must read “earth” to mean

something less than the entire world. This is called spiritualizing or allegorizing the text. The

question that should be asked is this, “If God wanted to express to us that peace was taken from the

whole earth, how else could he have done it than that which is stated?” We are far better to assume

God is using normal communication to be understood literally. God is certainly free to use allegory,

but that is rare in the Bible and there will be contextual clues to tell us God wants us to understand

the text allegorically. Here, there are no such clues. Instead, the context speaks just the opposite.

Complete peace will only come when Christ returns. The picture in Revelation of the coming

persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is cause for great joy. When believers

see these events happening, they will know that their Messiah's return is coming soon, and they can

look forward to his reign of justice and peace. Rather than being terrified by what is happening in

our world, we should confidently await Christ's return to bring justice and restoration to his people.

THIRD SEAL: SCARCITY ON EARTH

6:5 “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld,

and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.”

Jesus now opens the third seal and the third of the four cherubim surrounding God’s throne tells

John to “Come and see.” John sees a black horse. In this and the next verse, we see that this horse

brings the natural consequence of what the second horseman brought, namely famine. War always

has severe consequences, and famine is a typical consequence of warfare. The balances in his hand

are for carefully measuring out food, which in this time is a scarce commodity.

6:6 “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three

measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”

The voice from the midst of the four cherubim may be God’s voice. The indication here is that a day’s

wages are just enough to buy food for the day. The laborer can purchase the cheaper grain, barley,

and obtain more, but not enough to satisfy. On the other hand, while most people will suffer in a time

of great unemployment and famine, the world’s luxuries (oil and wine) are still available. This the

indicative of the divide we already see around the world today between those who hold most of the

world’s wealth and the rest of the world’s population, but in this future time it will be much worse

than anything we presently see. Think about the consequences that will naturally flow from the war

and famine. Crime will skyrocket as people rob and kill to acquire the basic necessities of life. The

world slowly plunges into chaos, the exact opposite of what Anti-Christ (the first horseman) promised

in his rise to power. The world so wants peace that it will follow him, but he cannot deliver the

goods. QUESTIONS:

What do the scales represent (6:5-6)?

What do you make of the phrase, “Do not hurt the oil and the wine” (6:6)?

At first glance, what do you think this means?

FOURTH SEAL: WIDESPREAD DEATH ON EARTH

6:7-8 “And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come

and see. 8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell

followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with

sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.”

Jesus opens the fourth seal and reveals the last of the horsemen, the pale horse, the color of death. It

is no surprise given the first three horseman that we now see death. Indeed, this horseman is named

“Death” because he personifies death. Hell (Greek hades, known in the OT as sheol) follows right

behind him. Christians go to heaven (temporarily) when they die, but the unsaved go to Hell, Hades,

or sheol, until their ultimate disposition into the Lake of Fire (we will get there in Revelation 20).

This judgment at the hand of God is against unsaved persons, who immediately are dispatched to

Hell. This judgment results in the death of one fourth of the earth; note, again, it is the whole earth in

view. The current world population is 6.7 billion, which means that thus far 1,675,000,000 (over one

and a half billion people) die. They die in the fighting, from the famine, the disease that follows, and

from wild animals. This last statement (the wild animals) indicates that many people are homeless or

have taken to the wilderness areas to seek refuge.

Each of the four horses is a different color. Some assume that the white horse represents victory and

that its rider must be Christ (because Christ later rides to victory on a white horse—19:11). But

because the other three horses relate to judgment and destruction, this rider on a white horse would

most likely not be Christ. The four are part of the unfolding judgment of God, and it would be

premature for Christ to ride forth as conqueror. The other horses represent different kinds of

judgment: red for warfare and bloodshed; black for famine; pale green for death. The high prices of

wheat and barley illustrate famine conditions. But the worst is yet to come.

It is not clear whether "the Grave" was on a separate horse than Death or merely rode along with

Death, but the riders described in verses 2-8 are commonly referred to as the four horsemen of the

Apocalypse. The four riders are given power over one-fourth of the earth, indicating that God is still

limiting his judgment—it is not yet complete. With these judgments there is still time for unbelievers

to turn to Christ and away from their sin. In this case, the limited punishment not only demonstrates

God's wrath on sin but also his merciful love in giving people yet another opportunity to turn to him

before he brings final judgment. We must not presume upon God's patience. Our repentance must be

visible and authentic. In what ways does your life reflect new and different behavior? QUESTIONS:

What similarities for you observe in the first four seals (6:1-8)?

FIFTH SEAL: THE CRY OF THE MARTYRS

6:9 “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for

the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:”

Jesus now opens the fifth of the seven seals. John observes martyrs under the altar. They were killed

because they testify of the word of God. We might call these the “tribulation martyrs”; from what

follows, they seem to have been murdered during this time. This means at least two things. First,

although all Christians were raptured away before the beginning of the tribulation, there are

Christians on the earth during the tribulation. This means there is evangelism, which means there are

evangelists. In later chapters, God will fill in the blanks, but for now it is sufficient to observe that

God is still saving people at this time. Second, Christians are being killed if they are found out as

Christians. This is a time of tremendous persecution (see Daniel 7:21-22). Note that John says he

sees “souls.” Some have theorized that these tribulation martyrs have temporary bodies that John

sees. We cannot be sure.

The altar represents the altar of sacrifice in the Temple, where animals were sacrificed to atone for

sins. Instead of the animals' blood at the base of the altar, John saw the souls of martyrs who had

died for preaching the Good News. These martyrs were told that still more would lose their lives for

their belief in Christ (6:11). In the face of warfare, famine, persecution, and death, Christians will be

called on to stand firmly for what they believe. Only those who endure to the end will be rewarded by

God (Mark 13:13). QUESTIONS:

What did John see in 6:9? Why are the martyrs “underneath” the altar?

Why were they slain?

6:10 “And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge

and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”

The tribulation martyrs want to know when God will avenge their blood on those that dwell on the

earth. The question tells us that the ones who murdered them are then living on the earth, hence the

conclusion that these are indeed tribulation martyrs. (EXCURSIS: Note that the “souls” John sees

both talk and remember. Your physical body is a tool that enables your spirit/soul to interact in this

world. The real you, the emotions and intellect and memories, is your soul or spirit. We see a glimpse

of that here. Now consider the implications. If the memories, intellect and emotion are tied to the

spirit, not the body as is typically assumed, then how can mental disorders be treated by medicines

that only affect the physical body. The word psychology comes from two Greek words found in our

New Testament, psuche (meaning soul or life) and logos (meaning word or study). Literally, it means

the study of the soul, but most practitioners assume there is no soul and concentrate their efforts on

the physical body. Spiritual problems require spiritual solutions. If we treat the body when the

problem is spiritual, then we are dealing with symptoms only (i.e., depression, a spiritual problem,

can cause physical pain), and not the root cause. God is interested in our being better, not just

feeling better. God offers real solutions because He knows the source of the problem.)

The martyrs call out to God, "How long will it be before you judge the people who belong to this

world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?" As we see the world's wickedness, we,

too, may cry out to God, "How long?" In the following chapters, the judgment comes at last. We may

be distressed and impatient, but God has his plan and his timing, and we must learn to trust him to

know what is best. Judgment is coming—be sure of that. Thank God for the time he has given you to

turn from sin. Use the available time to work to help others turn to him. QUESTIONS:

What question did these martyrs have on their mind (6:10)?

What should our attitude be toward those who persecute us?

Should we forgive and forget, or should we say, “Get ‘em, God!”

What happens to those who are martyred (cf. Rev 3:5; 7:9, 14)?

How does the world you live in view Christians?

Do they tend to look down on you because of your faith, respect you, or make fun of you?

Have you ever been persecuted because of your faith in Christ?

Do you find it easy to go public with your faith in God, or are you tempted to want to keep faith a secret?

On a percentage basis, how much of the pain you have experienced in life has been due to things within your control, and what percentage have been things outside of your control?

Why does God allow His loved ones to be persecuted?

Is all the pain in our lives God’s will?

How would you respond if a skeptic asked you this question?

6:11 “And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should

rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as

they were, should be fulfilled.”

We have seen white robes before, in the letters to the seven churches in 2 and 3. The tribulation

martyrs died for their testimony. Their righteous deeds are rewarded here. They are told that they

will not have to wait long to be avenged, but that more will have to be martyred first. God knows

exactly how many until it “should be fulfilled,” and then Jesus will return.

6:9-11 The martyrs are eager for God to bring justice to the earth, but they are told to wait. God is

not waiting until a certain number is reached, but he is promising that those who suffer and die for

their faith will not be forgotten. Rather, they will be singled out by God for special honor. We may

wish for justice immediately, as these martyrs did, but we must be patient. God works according to

his own timetable, and he promises justice. No suffering for the sake of God's Kingdom, however, is

wasted. QUESTIONS:

How are the fifth and sixth seals distinct (6:9-11, 12-17)?

What is the purpose of the seventh seal (see 8:1)?

SIXTH SEAL: COSMIC DISTURBANCES

6:12 “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the

sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;”

Jesus now opens the sixth seal, and with it comes an earthquake. This is the first of several in the

book, and it is no tremor, but a “great” earthquake. We are not told what makes the sun go dark, but

the earthquake could involve volcanic activities that send ash spewing in the air (see Dr. Morris for

more thoughts on the scientific analysis). Not only is the sun darkened, but the moon is blood red.

(Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:10, 31; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24). Whatever the cause, we are to take these

images literally.

The sixth seal changes the scene back to the physical world. The first five judgments were directed

toward specific areas, but this judgment is universal. Everyone will be afraid when the earth itself

trembles.

6:13 “And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she

is shaken of a mighty wind.”

As Dr. Morris* suggests, this verse most likely pictures an asteroid storm hitting the earth. There is

certainly Biblical precedent (recall Sodom and Gomorrah) for this. *Henry M. Morris, The Revelation Record, Tyndale House Publishers (1983)

6:14 “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island

were moved out of their places.”

This verse probably alludes to Isaiah 34:4. The idea is that the stars disappear. They are most likely

obliterated from view from smoke and vapors in the air as a result of the earthquake, also referred to

in this verse (mountain and island moved out of their places).

6:15 “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the

mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of

the mountains;”

The idea here is that people of every social class, without exception, seek out the protection of caves

to hide from the judgments God is pouring forth. Note the use of the phrase “kings of the earth,” a

phrase that almost without exception refers to Gentile leaders in opposition to God (or to Israel). QUESTIONS:

What groups of people constitute the seven classes of society (6:15)?

Why does John include this list? What is the overarching principle in this verse?

6:16-17 “And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth

on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who

shall be able to stand?”

The inhabitants of the earth are not ignorant of the fact that it is God’s judgment that is upon them. They

recognize that the judgment comes from God the Father and God the Son. Note, however, that instead of

simply repenting, they hide. QUESTIONS:

What six cosmic catastrophes do you note in 6:12-17?

Which of these is particularly disturbing to you?

What is the response of the earth-dwellers (6:16-17)?

Is this response adequate? Why or why not?

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